Published in:
01-12-2009 | Original Article
Gastroprotective Action of Cochinchina Momordica Seed Extract Is Mediated by Activation of CGRP and Inhibition of cPLA2/5-LOX Pathway
Authors:
Jung Mook Kang, Nayoung Kim, Bongcheol Kim, Joo-Hyon Kim, Bong-Yong Lee, Ji Hyun Park, Mi Kyoung Lee, Hye Seung Lee, In-Jin Jang, Joo Sung Kim, Hyun Chae Jung, In Sung Song
Published in:
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|
Issue 12/2009
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Abstract
Cochinchina momordica seed extract (SK-MS10), which is composed of the major compounds momordica saponins, has been evaluated for its gastroprotective effects in rat models of acute gastric mucosal damage. Ethanol and water immersion restraint stress (WRS) induced gastric damage, including hemorrhages and edema, was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with SK-MS10. In addition, SK-MS10 reduced increases of mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β, and TNFα levels and the expression of cPLA2, and 5-LOX induced by ethanol or WRS. SK-MS10 also increased hexosamine, adherent mucus, and the expression of MUC5AC. Furthermore, SK-MS10 enhanced the mucosal expression of the CGRP gene and its serum levels. N
G-methyl L-arginine (L-NMMA) or capsaicin desensitization reversed the SK-MS10-induced gastroprotection effect. These results suggest that SK-MS10 is a gastroprotective agent against acute gastric mucosal damage by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, down-regulating cPLA2, 5-LOX, and increasing the synthesis of mucus. Furthermore, CGRP-NO pathway was found to play an important role in these gastroprotective effects of SK-MS10.